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Renovation work is continuing at the Perlachturm in Augsburg, a historic city in the German state of Bavaria, close to the Austrian border.
The tower, which stands about 70 metres high in the city’s central town hall square, dates back to the 10th century and has been rebuilt several times over the centuries. It remains a prominent feature of Augsburg’s historic centre.
As part of the current programme of works, the tower’s copper dome, weighing around ten tonnes, has been removed and temporarily placed in front of the town hall. Internally, the reinforced concrete staircase is being dismantled in phases to allow for the installation of a new staircase.
All trades on the project are using a single vertical transport system, the GEDA 1500 Z/ZP, to move people and materials between working levels. The platform has been installed to the full height of the tower and includes 27 individual stops.
The system operates in two modes. When transporting people and materials, it runs at a lifting speed of 12 metres per minute. When used for materials only, it can operate at speeds of up to 24 metres per minute. This allows the site team to adjust transport arrangements depending on the stage of work.
For this project, a platform configuration with a maximum load capacity of 2,000 kg is being used, providing space for heavier and bulkier materials associated with the renovation of a historic structure. The transport platform is mounted on a two-mast system designed to provide stable access at height.
The works at the Perlachturm highlight the logistical challenges involved in refurbishing historic towers in busy city centres, where access, safety and coordination between multiple trades are key factors.
